Pair of Troy teens arrested for Christmas Eve robbery

TROY -- Two teens were robbed of $100 Monday evening, but thanks to the efforts of the Troy Police Department with the assistance of the Rensselaer County Bureau of Emergency Services, the suspects were quickly apprehended.

Police were called to the area of Ballina Street and Donegal Avenue for a report of a robbery around 6:30 p.m., where two teenagers said they were approached by another pair of teenagers, one of whom displayed what appeared to be a handgun. The latter pair took the teenagers' money and taking the fled on foot towards the Cumberland Farms on Campbell Avenue. According to a press release, an "airsoft" gun which looked similar to a semi-automatic pistol, was recovered in the area of the incident.

After a detailed description of the two suspects was broadcast over the scanner, Troy Police Sgt. Raymond White saw them near Project Road, flagging down a vehicle in an attempt to hitch a ride. Once the pair got into the car, the vehicle was immediately pulled over and the two suspects, a 15-year-old, whose name was not released due to his age, and Cushaw Allen, 16, were arrested.

Both were charged with second degree robbery. The juvenile was being held at Albany County Secure Detention as he awaits an appearance at Rensselaer County Family Court. Allen was held without bail in Troy Police lockup and was arraigned on Tuesday.